In a move underscoring ongoing bilateral strains, India has extended the ban on Pakistani civilian and military aircraft accessing its airspace until October 24. The decision, announced through a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), ensures that no Pakistan-registered planes, or those operated, owned, or leased by Pakistani airlines or operators—including military flights—will be permitted in Indian skies.

The extension aligns with a reciprocal action from Pakistan, which has similarly barred Indian aircraft from its airspace until the same date. This tit-for-tat measure traces back to April, when both nations sealed their borders in the skies following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed 26 lives. India first imposed the closure effective April 30, with periodic renewals ever since to maintain the restrictions.

The latest NOTAM specifies that Indian airspace will remain off-limits to Pakistani flights until 2359 UTC on October 23, equivalent to 0530 IST on October 24. NOTAMs, critical alerts for aviation personnel, highlight the operational necessity of such notices in ensuring safe flight paths.

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As the two nuclear-armed neighbors continue to navigate heightened hostilities, this prolonged airspace blockade not only disrupts commercial aviation but also symbolizes deeper geopolitical rifts. Travelers and airlines operating in the region face continued rerouting and delays, with no immediate signs of de-escalation on the horizon.

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